Caring for Caroline

A New Year 2012

2012-01-09T08:31:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! We have had eventful eventful 2011. I will recap some things about our busy lives. Carley is enjoying school and Girls Scouts this school year. She is learning to ride her bike and roller skate. We are hopeful for her as her mom was uncoordinated in these areas. She loves to read chapter books and barbies and playing with friends.
Cam is continually busy at work, but seems to get home a bit earlier than last year. He also has been provided a company car which allows us to meet Caroline's needs. We hope this is not a temporary thing. I have been able to join weight watchers and substitute teach at Caroline's private pre-school. I love it!!!! Caroline has progressed to one and two spoken words in her speech. Her personality as come shining through. She is funny, but so very opinionated and stubborn. She asks me every day to take her "shoes off" and "clothes off". She is not able to crawl or walk yet. My deepest desire is to have her stand and take side steps this calendar year!
She has a great pt who donated a new gait trainer to us and we are hopeful as it is just the right size for her. She still uses her stander for leg strengthening and a back brace at night for scoliosis.
We also were given a huge blessing as our insurance will not cover all of this durable medical equipment. We have special friends and neighbors who are allowing us to use a whee chair that happens to fit Caroline perfectly. She is 35 pounds of dead weight and cumbersome to hold and move now. The wheelchair allows us to go to church easier and walk in parking lots. It allows us to give her a place to eat when there are no highchairs. And it takes the stress off of my back.
She loves to be sitting tall in a very comfy gel seat! This was a tough decision for me to decide because I do not want to give up on her walking!!!! However, God used my friend at the right time to say we want you to use this. I needed it , but was so afraid. It is a blessing and she likes it!
We are at a school five days a week and private pt on Wednesdays in St. Augustine. We have a nice schedule. But I could not do it without my friends who help with Carley when I need assistance for pick up. God hears our prayers and provides for our deepest needs. I pray this year will hold much spiritual growth for myself as well as you. Thank you for reading our blog and praying for us as you think of it! One more praise! Caroline has had no seizures on her medicine!!!!

New walker

2011-12-03T23:19:00.004-05:00

Caroline was sick with a tummy bug on Fri. We were up all night. I can't believe how well she bounced back. We were able to run errands and get our cards mailed out. We shopped a little and enjoyed spending time together. Caroline is starting to say small sentences. She patted Camerons arm today and said, daddy, milk please. It was so cute and directed at him. She is funny toomwithnher expressive eyebrows. She also has a new walker that we are able to borrow and she is learning to enjoy. And manever she took four steps forward in it tonight with an audience. She was so happy and so was I.

Trip to the ER With Caroline

2011-10-23T14:35:00.002-04:00

Well this morning was an adventure with Caroline. She has had an upper respiratory issue for the last 6 days and now it just keeps getting worse. This morning she was really having a hard time breathing. We drove her to the local ER close to the house. They did some preliminary tests and told us that she would have to be transported downtown to Wolfsons Children's hospital for further testing. Caroline got to ride in her first ambulance. We are now at Wolfsons hospital getting tests to see whyshe is having so much trouble breathing. They are ruling out psnemonia. More info to come....

Almost Fall

2011-09-17T10:13:00.002-04:00

It is past time for an update. We have been busy with our new school schedule and other exciting adventures. The girls have adjusted to the new schedule. If you ask Carley though, homework is dumb and boring! Caroline is happy going to school everyday and has increased her activity with bike riding twice a week and practicing her gait trainer three times a week. we also have added water therapy which is amazing!!!!Our therapist wants her in the water three times a week which is a challenge for me....usually does not happen. Cameron stays busy at work. He and Carley took a trip to Greenville to see cousins, Nana and Papa. They are watching the Auburn game today! Caroline and I are relaxing at home watching Barney.
God has opened doors for me to work very part time with my degree. I am subbing at Caroline's pre-school at our church. This place makes me smile and makes me happy. Caroline is welcomed with loving arms and extra help for me! She has three teachers with ten children in her class. I have been able to meet and know most of the teachers since Caroline has been there in some capacity since she was 2. I love seeing the kids and the teachers and all the learning and singing going on....it is in my blood. I have two friends that I walk with weekly which is a huge inspiration for me to get out and be active. God has brought me special friends even though it has taken almost three years to feel at home here. I miss fall and the change of seasons every September and October.
We have had two sets of company this past month. We were thrilled to see and visit with our BFF's from Texas, Brent and Mimi came out and we did a lot of eating and laughing and having fun being friends. We try to see them every year. They are our oldest standing couple friends of ten plus years. we also have been able to see our friend , Jud, college buddy. He is in town working and we have had him for dinner. He sat for us to go on a date and we have loved having him. Cameron stays up late and talks, they went on a fishing trip and played magic trips. This makes life exciting and worthwhile as we treasure our friendships.
I have also started selling Thirty - One gifts. I am addicted to bags. I have purses and lunch boxes and mommy totes. So I am always finding what I need. I am making a little bit of money, but able to have fun and have about 2- 4 shows a month. People actually stop me and ask is that a Thirty - One bag? Why yes!!!! Here is my site:www.mythirtyone.com/kimabbott
Blessings to you for stopping by. Please pray Caroline learns to walk this year. She is capable needs stamina and motivation. We have our back brace for scoliosis and it is really terrible. For now she only sleeps in it as it keeps her trapped from moving. Please pray her spine curve does not get worse. This could mean back surgery in a few years.

Ortho Visit

2011-07-30T12:53:00.002-04:00

Caroline has finished summer school. Carley has finished art classes. We just got back from Myrtle beach and had a lot of fun in the sand and pool. The new thing we did this summer was letterboxing. The kids loved it. it is almost like treasure hunting in a new city while creating your own family mark in a stamped notebook. We also are starting to have more doctor appointments and yearly check- ups. Caroline is four and will need her four year check. Two weeks ago we went to see the orthopedist and now will be wearing a scolio back brace in a few weeks. we will go on Monday for casting. It is one more thing on our list of woes, but hope it will aid in Caroline standing and walking soon. I can only dream and hope as it seems like it may not be a reality after four years. She is starting to wear on me physically as we have both gained weight. So I have begun gym work outs nearly every day and i need to lift weights and strengthen my body as I am her main caretaker. We are enjoying a quiet day at home. Caroline is napping and Carley is playing barbies. Cam is at work unfortunately. We are thankful for God's continued care and provision, but sure would love for our Daddy's work day to be less. We do not want to grumble and complain. God meets our daily needs and that is all we can ask for. We also sold our Durango as Cam also has been given a company car. This is another answered prayer as we need car payment money for Caroline rather than another car at this time.

Caroline is back to school.....

2011-07-08T08:41:00.002-04:00

We seem to have been a bit more busy than the school year. I think we have been to the pool once a week and a play date with friends once a week. Carley has been taking art classes daily for three weeks. She absolutely loves them. There is a lot of planning and painting and sculpting going on. Our sweet friends also have a pool in their back yard and we have been there alot.
It is cloudy and rainy here, but we have a day planned to dress like cows and go to Chick - fil - a.
Caroline went to summer school this week and seems to be happy. This has allowed me to grocery shop and go to the dentist and spend a little time with Carley too!
Caroline plays outside, paints, plays inside the sensory room and takes a nap. I pick her up around 2:30pm. Cam has been kind enough to drop her off so we all do not have to be ready!!!!
we have an orthopedic appt coming up next Monday and a birthday next Tuesday!
Caroline is working on standing and sitting and really starting to bear weight more on her legs. She is getting therapy at school as well as private PT twice a month.
we are not having a big party this year and have hopes of starting a special needs trust for her which will allow Caroline to have the best possible care in the future if she outruns us! It is a high start up cost and we are using birthday party money toward her fund. Please be in prayer for our SSI approval. We were denied once and I have researched more information and am going to apply four times in a row and then higher a lawyer to see about obtaining financial benefits for medical care and costs for Caroline. It is a long process and quite tedious on my part.
We have hopes of ordering a device that will help her crawl which runs $550.00 and she is no where near potty trained so we constantly need diapers. She also takes two meds that run 55.00 a month. We will also need to get a wheelchair in the next two years that can be 2-3,000. I never thought she was expensive, but SSI would cetrtaintly allow us to help her more and maybe add more private therapy. I would love a date night once a week as Cam's job and Caroline's condition often can take a toll on everyday life as tasks become burdensome and cumbersome as she does not walk. Please pray for my daily strength and care I give to my girls. I want to portray Christ's love and actions even on the weary days.Just wanted to update family and friends on our ideas and goals for Caroline in the coming days.

Summer is off with a bang

2011-06-17T08:32:00.002-04:00

We have already had a lot of fun since school has been out. My favorite part is that I am not rushing my kids out the door and I can enjoy them in the morning along with my cup of coffee. Caroline is really funny when she wakes up and wants you to come get her out of her bed. She says Hi and Up and Help and mommy until you come. we are only doing private pt this summer. Caroline will also attend a three week special needs program at the public school and she will receive speech, pt, and ot. Our two new goals are potty training and standing!
Her speech is coming along some of her new words are go and car almost everyday...she seems to be bored of she is stuck at home all day!!!! This week it was "malmart" and "mummy!!!" That is for walmart and money. She is making lots of connections and this makes my heart happy.
Yesterday I took Carley bowling and to lunch while Caroline stayed with Miss Catheleen.
We have been to Orlando for a few days with friends at a condo. We swam and played and had alot of fun too!!!Carley tried the trampoline attached to a bungy and rode the big water slide multiple times with her friend Merci.
We also have official library cards ...I can't believe it has taken me this long for them to get books and free mid movies....they had a ball. today we are running a few errands, but the wild fires and smoke are bad enough to keep us indoors.
Today is also our eleventh anniversary!!!! Happy Anniversary Husband!!!!

Spring

2011-05-19T17:03:00.000-04:00

Tummy Bug

2011-03-31T19:39:00.002-04:00

So Just when we thought we were settling in....Cameron stated with a terrible horrible virus that ended after three days and a trip to ER for dehydration. He just returned to work today. I tried to totally sanitize the house hoping for the best....that we would all dodge the bullet, but alas we all ended up with a touch of it compared to Cameron. Caroline and Carley are still recovering and I just have a stomach that flops today. It seems the best thing to do is sleep many many hours consecutively to feel any ounce of energy. Carley had a three hour nap today. I had no nap. And Caroline had a two hour nap nearly after waking this morning. The hardest thing for me is to not see her cheerful smile. It is also hard to tell if she is tired from her new medication or from being sick with two viruses back to back. I am not looking forward to the numerous bills we will receive from each department and x - ray and radiologist involved. On the other hand our nurses and doctors were wonderful and did everything in a timely manner and really listened to me concerning Caroline's medical history and health concerns. We also found out we have a small hospital indemnity plan from Cam's work that will help pay a percent of days spent in hospital. Thanks be to God for always faithfully providing our needs. We have two groups of people who have really become God's hands and feet in our lives. Our SS class provided meals until I denied them at the onset of tummy virus. Then We had three friends make trips to the store to get cleaning supplies. food, snacks, gatorade, and meds. We feel loved and cared for down to every detail. Thank you special friends!!!!! We also have been blessed by our small group and friends made at Mandarin Presbyterian and Great Banquet Community!

More Seizures

2011-03-25T07:30:00.002-04:00

I am disappointed to say the least....not in Caroline, but this virus and her sickness that has overcome our lives this week. It is ugly and heart wrenching. I am tired. I want us to continue in our old normal. I never anticipated this because I did not know how I would feel or how it could change us. I am fearful. I am loved and encouraged by the body of Christ! I am sad. Please pray for our family as it affects us all in different ways. Please pray that I will be able to allow me to trust people to help me with Caroline and my needs for relief.
I want her to walk and talk and laugh and be seizure free....those are my big desires for her little life. Caroline has been sick for a week now with a respiratory virus that has seemed to bring this on. we have been to two docs and ER and we may have to admit her for EEG and observation and blood panels since she is not recovering well. The seizures are becoming more frequent.
we do not want seizure meds unless absolutely necessary. Please pray for direction and wisdom.

Seizures.....what an ugly word

2011-03-23T21:51:00.002-04:00

Spring Days

2011-03-08T08:48:00.003-05:00

It is amazing how much our lives seem to depend on technology. We have been without a computer for two weeks and I feel lost without checking all the fun design blogs and mommy blogs. I also wanted to swnd an update here on Caroline. She is talking and starting to say two word phrases which is always music to our ears!!!! We have had several school meetings and so far I have decided ontwo things. She will be moved to the three year old class next year at Fruit Cove her private school. She will also attend summer school this summer for three weeks at her special needs school and have therapy and nap there while I am able to spend sometime with Carley and do her swim lessons, etc....I am leaning on pulling her from fall ESE next year and only having her receive free therapy there because she has not gained much from the whole environment. I lack one more meeting for next years plans.
Cameron and I were able to get away and spend much needed quality time with one another and our dear friends. My mom and dad graciously took care of my kids for four days. I am looking forward to next weeks visit from my college roommate. It will be so much fun!!!!!
We are really enjoying the spring weather here in Fl. Carley and I have been able to do some container gardeing in our back yard with cone flowers, sunflowers, and purple petunias. We hope our seeds sprout soon!!!!

Genetics Visit 2011

2011-02-17T00:22:00.001-05:00

We seem to have scheduled ourselves full this week. Caroline has only three specialist and two of her yearly visits fell this week. We will visit Ortho next month as well as the dentist. Today we spent almost an hour with Dr.Percyk. He is very patient and kind. It was exciting to see Caroline interact and talk to him although it has been 14 months since our last visit. We were able to view Her brain scan form a year ago and discuss new developments. She has lots of room for growth and some wide ventricles that are not completely shaped as ours....but he expressed the areas of damage are somewhat repairable with time and if she continues to progress she could regain 60- 80% of the damaged areas. Making connections and spurring her on to new things is encouraged.
yesterday we went to the ENT and things are good from a hearing perspective. She does have a cold and possible ear infection. I have a script in case we need it.
Caroline has been out of school all week and will return to her pre-school tomorrow. I also have and ESE meeting to get her accepted into speech and language services at her special needs school. I have decided I want her to only attend her private school next year and receive services within our neighborhood school. This will save me time and gas money. More importantly my peace of mind. Caroline does not seem completely happy at her other school. One day she will have to be there....but next year it is still my right to send her to a private school and receive therapies at no cost through the school system. So I think two more meetings to convey my thoughts. Pray that this will be a reality and bring us comfort.

School MEETING

2011-02-05T09:17:00.002-05:00

Oh Wow! I seriously do not know how I am supposed to know and learn all these crazy rules and procedures of a special needs school. I have three things to determine and pray about:

1. If Caroline will continue as public school next year or only receive services there.
2. If I can apply and get her moved to Saint John's county so she can have both schools near.
3. And if she may receive language services in our neighborhood school.

I had a meeting yesterday with the speech pathologist, site coordinator, and classroom teacher concerning several things for Caroline. Her IEP goals are not appropriate so they will need to be changed...she is not receiving language services and I want her to be....and I just do not want her at that school until she legally has to be. But I cannot have my cake and eat it too.

If I get her approved for Saint Johns she may could receive therapy at her private school and have an ESE teacher check on her progress, but this is a dream and a shot in the dark....so more frustration and thinking!!!!!

More on couponing

2011-02-01T10:36:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to share more information on couponing. We have another site we like and have read entirely. You may have seen this cute mom on TLC and the Nate Show. She has great ideas and tips. www.thekrazycouponlady.com

Sick.....but better!

2011-01-30T13:34:00.002-05:00

So it did not end with strep in our house. I ended up with swine flu...so strange. I did get my flu shot as well as the girls. Cam was also sick....so we are on antibiotics and finally revived. T0morrow should be a great day!!!! Caroline managed to stay well - it is only by the grace of GOD! We are so behind on household things.
Cameron and I finally listed a year of ebay things in our stash. I will be making another Goodwill trip tomorrow and still not finished cleaning out the scrapbook room! I still have my beautiful nativity scene up and about to take it down after this post. I love my willow tree things!
We did not get to see Nana and Papa this weekend, but I think they will be able to make it next weekend. Cam is at the store again this week. he finally has figured out the coupon game and we are saving money after four weeks of saving all flyers and finding all coupons we can. We basically use only one site because it is the best and saves money and tells you where to print out exact sale coupons. www.truecouponing.com. We are ready for spring weather and are looking forward to seeing some old friends and family this spring!
We have also noticed a considerable difference in our trash cans by the end of the week they are not full due to our recycling bin!

Sick

2011-01-26T08:33:00.002-05:00

Thankfully Caroline is well. Carley went back to school, but Cam and I are under the weather. I think bronchitis and sinus infection. Cam went to the doctor and I think I will go tomorrow. So it is an interesting week on our house cleaning and trying to decide which places to go and not go. I am just worn out and want to sleep for days. Thank God my mom is here to help. I just feel badly we have not spent anytime together!!!!

Strep

2011-01-24T16:42:00.003-05:00

I am warning you that this post is random. Carley has been sick and we thought a virus. She had a high fever and has not eaten in three days. She stayed home today and after a trip to the doctor we have strep. I have cleaned and sanitized for days trying for no one else to get this. We even threw away toothbrushes. This weekend I was able to crop and catch up with a friend. Last night Cam and I enjoyed our study and couples group. Today I am enjoying my mom's company and help with the girls. She is here for a visit and we thought a birthday lunch. We have changed directions since sweet Carley is sick. We will enjoy time together at home.
Next weekend the girls will get to see their Nana and Papa from Greenville and have some birthday time for Nana.I was able to run a few errands today and got a lot accomplished for this week. I am also thankful Cameron has decided to be the grocery shopper for a while. He is embarking on an extreme couponing adventure. He literally has spent 6-8 hours researching and couponing and I think we have it figured out. The down side is we do not have stores that double or triple coupons in our area!!!! And the site we like best is www. truecouponing.com.
Hope you enjoy saving money as much as we do!

Ten Things.......

2011-01-20T14:24:00.002-05:00

Ten things about me:

1. My favorite at home hair color is Revlon Color Silk and I use it every 8 weeks.

2. I am a complete Starbucks junkie and used to go five times a week.

3. I hate clutter and still am trying to declutter my house.

4. I love reading other mommy blogs and home design blogs.

5. We have started recycling our garbage.

6. I love Arm and Hammer laundry detergent especially with Oxy Clean.

7. I used to love Pampers diapers, but they aren't working anymore. We are now using Huggies Little movers.

8. I do not like breakfast and do not co0k breakfast foods well.

9. I am very social and need a handful of sweet friends to be apart of my life.

10. I wash and dry one load of laundry of day.

Precious

2011-01-16T08:30:00.002-05:00

The most precious thing is to hear Caroline talk in her bed every morning over the monitor.
It is usually things like: mommy, daddy, up and uh - oh! Today she said back to me, OH, NO!!! She had wet her whole bed and was soaked. She is funny!!! Our friends watched the girls last night and Caroline found a Wii game with head and shoulders, knees and Toes.....we can not get it off her mind!!!! But I am thrilled that she is so aware of what her family members are doing and how interactive she is with us and our everyday life. I am ever so grateful for dear friends who are able to help watch my children!!!!

Field trip

2011-01-15T07:58:00.003-05:00

I was invited as a chaperone to go on Carley's field trip yesterday to Build a Bear. It was nice to have a change of pace and do something different. It was also exhilarating to know I could go while Caroline had care. We rode the bus and even had seat belts. It has been a while since I have been on a bus. It is also one of my largest fears about letting my girls ride on a school bus. We had a wonderful driver who spoke about bus safety and why we stop on rail road tracks as a safety precaution.
Carley enjoyed are one on one time together and we picked Caroline up at her school after nap. Cam has been working crazy hours as he is orchestrating the building project and office move this week. He may even work today. We were hoping to go to the new Latitude Thirty today. It is a new facility with games and bowling and food and a theater. We thought it would be fun to do something together as a family. Hope all of my blogging friends have a safe and happy weekend.

Reduce.Recycle.Redo

2011-01-13T11:57:00.003-05:00

So why do I always feel the need for new changes in a NEW YEAR?
I guess it is a good way to welcome in another year in our lives. I guess somethings we have decided to start doing can be viewed as resolutions. I'd like to think of them as permanent changes:
1. We are reducing clutter. We have shredded old papers and reorganized our office files while searching for tax papers! I am also reducing paper memories and clutter in my scrapbook room.
2. We have decided to take small steps to recycling and reducing our amount of trash we create on a daily basis. We are eating more leftovers rather than tossing things. We are also filling up a blue recycle bucket in our laundry room for plastic cartons, glass, and newspaper.
3. Couponing to cut our grocery bill - any comments welcome on this matter. We are starting to read sales and hold onto coupons and date them and following thegrocerygame.com this month. Cameron is really spear heading this and I am all too excited to not be the only grocery shopper in this month of January!
4. Redo ....this hopefully will only take thirty days, but I think more...I need to take pictures of all of this to make it real to you!!!! I am redoing the scrapbook room which is really the art room since I hardly scrapbook right now. I want it to reflect my style and allow me to share it with the girls. It has become a book room for Caroline and an art room for Carley. So I want to paint and redecorate and organize it so we can spend time in their without feeling overwhelmed!
5. And reducing our weight....Cameron, Caroline and I are all eating to lose, while Carley on the other hand just needs to eat something!!!!!
Happy New You!

Excited!!!! Welcome 2011

2011-01-10T10:10:00.004-05:00

I have missed blogging so much, but just now feel able to be relaxed and organized enough to return. So much has happened since this summer. We are grateful for a new year and healthy happy children and a stable job in such unpredictable times.
Cam is still very busy at work, but we have really been able to spend some family time together during the Christmas season. He always loves Christmas and decorating the house with lights. I always look forward to dinner, cookies, and coffee with friends. We were able to spend Thanksgiving in Greenville with our cousins and Nana and Papa. Carley celebrated her sixth birthday while we were there with an Olivia the pig celebration. It so fits her personality too! She is thriving in kindergarten and loves to create and read. We spent Christmas in Charleston with Aunt Kelly and Uncle M -a - t - t (as Caroline will say.) and Mimi and Papa. The girls enjoyed their time and were able to see some snow!
I just found out I can mobile blog from my smart phone. This is probably the largest reason why I have not blogged much this past year. I am learning to like Jax as much as I miss the Carolinas. Mostly I miss all my treasured friendships from Texas and North Carolina. God is faithful and has given me SEVERAL new friends and I praise Him for providing these friends that I crave and need for my soul.
Cam and I have also been able to be apart of a couples dinner group that meet once a month for prayer, study and dinner. We are all new friends and are really excited to see God's hand in this group as we attend different churches and our unity lies in Christ. This has become a great strength for us.
Updates on Caroline..... This has been a huge obstacle ands challenge for me to find peace with my new decisions about her school and therapy and daily life. I am now able to rest and rely on Him. But let me go back and describe my worry and fear and guilt. These things seems to exist with both my children, but more with Caroline. It is a difficult task to make so many life impacting decisions for this child. I can sometimes feel alone with not much input from other people and doctors as to what to do next. I have to think and decide things sometimes for a long period of time before I act. And sometimes feel numb do nothing until I know what to do. It is so unlike me as I am typically a very decisive person.
Caroline attends two schools up to four days a week. I love her private school and can not imagine life without these sweet people who truly love Caroline and never cause me to me second guess my self . She is in a regular two yr old pre-school room which warms my heart!!!She also has her own assistant in this room. She is able to eat with the kids and color with them at the table due to her Rifton chair. She can also say words instead of signing alone. It is amazing!!!Sometimes we get two words for simple commands and sentences!!!!
We also had to make a decision to change therapy centers due to insurance and Caroline's needs. We started with a new private therapist who is costly, but pushes me and Caroline to the next level physically!!! It is good, but a lot of commitment and work on my part. We are to do 50 min a day in our stander device to strengthen muscles and teach her weight bearing on her legs. We also now have a gait trainer to assist and help transition to walking with support. She goes in the walker, but does not like it and cannot move her body yet....we are hopeful and look for progress the next six months. She now has two sets of leg braces we use for supportive and assistive standing. She can apply her own pressure, but cannot fully stand without some support.
I find it difficult to exercise every day and enjoy being a mom and still interact and play with Carley and cook and clean. Some days are hard....some days are great and triumphant and some days are blah!!!!
We decided to send Caroline to part time ESE - special needs school at the public school. It is very hard for me because it is much more institutionalized than our sweet pre-school. I always know deep in my heart what Carley did and what Caroline is not able to do and it hurts and is disappointing. I want her to learn and grow and have the same opportunities as Carley. The truth is she will not....her opportunities will be different and not run on a time table.
I have had to let go of control of her meals and naps and what is happening or not happening at public school. I want it to be loving and encouraging and honestly it is just plain school with basic provision and some love mixed in....just makes my heart sink if this is the best that is offered for my dear child!!! She stays for nap twice a week and gets OT and PT on Mondays. She has experiences with the other children with needs, but she does not speak very much at this school and does not love it!!!! She does learn about other kids and assistive technology that she will also need. She eats lunch in a big kid cafeteria and sleeps on mats....it is so hard and different.
So pray for me as her mom that I am doing what is truly best for her. All in all I have had down time and have been able to exercise and attend a mom's study. Because I have not been able to do things like this in a few years. It is good. I promise to post more this New Year!!!!! Thanks for reading about us!!!!

Good - bye Summer

2010-08-22T23:21:00.002-04:00

Can not believe summer is over. My Carley is so ready for school to start. Please pray for me and Caroline. She is starting ESE - exceptional education here in the public school system. I have met some wonderufl families in my neighborhood with other special needs children and feel blessed by our meeting. However, I am concerned about her school and hope it is safe and loving. She will be there part time and will nap there too. I am not sure if she will stay there and how it will work out for her. We will also go to our church pre-k part time. There is so much I am trying to learn and do what is best for Caroline and push her along, but it may be too much too soon. Trusting the Lord to be her comforter and protector while we are apart.

Caroline's 3rd Birthday

2010-07-31T18:12:00.008-04:00

New Pictures

2010-07-31T17:56:00.008-04:00

Updated Pictures of Caroline

2010-07-31T17:45:00.003-04:00

ROSY'S

2010-07-27T20:34:00.002-04:00

Tonight we ate Mexican at Rosy's with Cameron and girls and our good friends the Masons. it is becoming our regular hang out at least once a month. Caroline does so well eating Mexican food. Carley is pretty intrigued with the people who speak Spanish. She is so funny. I have really enjoyed watching her swim and learn to jump off the diving board. Seeing her confidence and joy while swimming warms my heart. She was once deathly afraid of the water. she also has not enjoyed ballet or soccer. So I am glad she enjoys the water and learning new things.We registered her for Kindergarten today and also got her school supply list. Did you know teachers are now allowed to ask for four packs of crayons. I am buying a year worth of supplies and they are going to cost as much as a backpack or more. Funny thing is I LOVE school supplies every year at this time since I had Carley I look at school supplies and see what I need at home. I have always loved playing school and wonder if that was why I became a teacher.
We also had a pretty productive day. We got Caroline's leg braces and she seems to like them. They are a lot more supportive and I have high hopes that she will walk in the next year or at least take steps. I am finally feeling like we are building more friendships and trying to settle in here. Jacksonville has just been a really hard place to make deep rooted friendships and to feel like home. Is that a real word? But we are looking forward to a great school year and many exciting changes for our little girls!!!!

Fun Weekend

2010-07-25T21:34:00.003-04:00

I have had a very fun and busy weekend. Lots of time with friends. My girls got lots of daddy time. I was treated to a pedicure and starbucks by a friend and took Carley to the Romona and Beezus movie today. It was cute! A big thanks to all my followers who took the time to add us.
And a big shout out to the Ellis family who wanted me to update this blog. They also were at the same movie today!!!! Cameron watched Caroline and Carley several times this weekend. I also got a fun new gadget....a mini keurig....Love it!!!! I will post pictures too!!!!!
Caroline hung out at home today. She took a nap and played cook with her Daddy and kept him company while he did laundry! Thanks to my sweet husband for helping so much this weekend and to Missy, Val, and Sarah for making all of the fun possible.

Today

2010-07-10T07:57:00.002-04:00

I think we will clean out the garage today. Carley and Daddy are still sleeping. Caroline and I are awake. I am getting ready to enjoy a cup of coffee. Last night we went swimming with our really good friends in our neighborhood. The girls had a blast. Caroline floated on her back and we taught her to blow bubbles in the water. Her Big sister decided to swim across the pool even though she was dog tired. She kept saying I am almost there every time she took a breath. I hope she is able to swim on our neighborhood swim team next summer. I think she may actually enjoy it. Carley is going to the eye doctor on Monday. We have known for a while she will need glasses before school starts so we will try to start wearing glasses a few weeks before school starts.
Yesterday Caroline told me "tea"....she was pointing to he little plastic tea cup on top of Carley's dresser. I said good job baby! That is a tea cup. She seems to know so much more than I think she does, but if only we could get her to process things in words. She is really frustrated in her in ability to move and talk. She fusses some and desperately tries to crawl. She is pushing up through her hips and knees. Not in a normal way, but she is trying to stand on her knees rather than a crawling position. Our goal and desire is for Caroline to crawl in six months or less.
Have a great weekend!

More Casting/ Swimming/Bible Study

2010-07-09T09:41:00.000-04:00

We went to pick up foot braces, but they were too big and we had to stay for re-casting for new ones. We will receive them now on July 27th. It is amazing to me how long things take. We have been thinking and shuffling paper work for these leg braces since April 27th! Anyhow, we missed our Physical Therapy due to our late appointment at Hangar Prosthetics. So here we are again with no new braces.
Carley had her second swim lesson this summer and is jumping and swimming under water fine. They are teaching her to float on her back and flip over when she needs a breath. She is also learning strokes to swim above water. She loves swimming!!!! We finally found something she enjoys!
I am so excited about a Bible study I was able to join this week. It is all about our lives as women and how society had really brainwashed us about our looks, appearances, exercise obsession, food obsessions, and all those things women deal with. It is a real book by a real lady who knows what we go through. I am meeting with ladies from a different church than my own, but they are really wonderful and I am hoping to make some new friends!

No braces Yet....well maybe Not!

2010-07-08T09:06:00.000-04:00

No foot braces today due to a wrong processing code. When you want free you have to be patient with all of the rules. So we will have only PT today. Let me tell you about our last ENT visit last month. Caroline's ears look great - she does not need tubes at this time. Her hearing is great and hole in her left ear is completely sealed! We need to post new pictures of our Long Boat Key Beach trip as well as birthday and NJ wedding trip. We have had a busy summer already and only have about six more weeks before it is over. Funny how things work out....we are going to get our foot braces today after all!!!! We better go get a jump on it since we thought our am appointment was cancelled. I will take picture of these cute little leg braces that hopefully will allow her to stand - what a joyful day that will be for me!!!!!

Birthday Time

2010-07-07T14:42:00.000-04:00

Caroline soon will be three years old and I can't believe it. We spent last weekend celebrating with friends and family. She has many things on the horizon for her in the coming months. We are considering ESE special needs school part time next fall as well as our current MMO program at church one day per week. She is still using a few words and signing as well. We are excited about our new videos from Nana, Papa, and Aunt Jenny, and Uncle Stephen .
Tomorrow we will get our new leg braces to aid in standing. She really wants to crawl and can pull up on arms, but not knees. I am hoping in the next six months of therapy and practice at home that this may be a reality for her. She still uses her stander to strengthen her leg muscles and stamina, but is still unable to bear weight on her legs and knees on her own.
In August we will be meeting new therapists for PT and OT and keeping our speech and current PT as we transition into September. Once again God has provided leg braces at no cost to us this time. And we will receive some free therapy in special needs school in addition to private therapy that we will begin to pay co-pays for as of her birthdate.
We are excited about Caroline's opportunities, but I am nervous as her mom to know if they are the right choices for her at this time. I do know the journey is long and I could use any assistance available and want to make use of this without losing my interactions as a stay at home mom and my job and role as her mom and teacher. It is a scary spot to be. Yet I know I am going to need to get in the school system and learn the role of therapists and iep's as we will be living this during the next 18 years with her. Please pray for Cameron and I as we embark on a new chapter with Caroline. I appreciate all the love and support that many friends and family give even when we are not aware. Happy Birthday Sweet Caroline!!!!

Moving Along

2010-05-06T08:54:00.000-04:00

We have been busy running errands, going to appointments, and wrapping up th end of the school year. Carley has pre-school graduation coming up and has lost three teeth in 8 weeks. The tooth fairy, Matilda, has been quite busy here. Caroline is progressing most in her speech. She can say many words tat we understand now like, play, t.v., Elmo, and eat.
She is a joy and a delight to watch. She also is scooting faster and trying to get down and wants to walk and jump. It is scary because she is noe getting hurt more frequently and it is very hard to leave her even for a minute. She has no idea of how things can hurt her, like casue and effect reactions. I am tired to say the least and have to constantly think of her safety above anything else we do.
We are looking into new therapies and new therapists as Caroline graduates from Early Steps program with our local early intervention. We are ordering new leg braces that will provide more support for standing and deciding to wait one more year on a wheel chair.
Carley is now palying soccer or should I say chasing her friends in the field. She does not love it, but we only have six games left so maybe we will develop memories and a love for running!
So we have many changes on the horizon for us. But we are trying to sleep when we can and have fun when we can too!!!!

Easter Photos of Caroline

2010-04-23T23:11:00.001-04:00

Words

2010-03-20T08:24:00.001-04:00

Words are so important. They can heal or they can hurt, but sweet words from Caroline are amazing!!!! Since December she is saying so much!!!!It is not on demand, but she speaks and repeats things. It is a blessing and warms my heart. I wanted to share this with any of you who are checking in on us. It is spring and we are excited. Carley is signed up for soccer and we are looking forward to nicer weather!!!!
Some of her words are: Mama, Papa, baby, hi, up, Elmo, Dora, Pablo, Coco, Yeah!!!!!
She responds to most all of our questions with yeah!!!!! - her yes! She also has great communication with signs. She shook her head at her dinner plate the other night and signed cheese to me. So she ate cheese and strawberries only. She loves books and coloring books and can now lightly scribble with pens and markers. These things are huge improvements. We rejoice in all of the way God works in our lives. Carley is reading books to us now which is a lot of fun too!
This week Caroline discovered the stoppers on the back of the doors and she loves playing with them and making that funny noise!!!! She would rather play in her sister's room with her books, doll house, and Barbie's this is so funny to me and nice to see her doing new things!!!!
Yesterday I was drinking an iced coffee from my favorite place and Caroline placed her empty cup in the air toward my cup to tell me she wanted me to share with her. She thought it was Chocolate milk. She finds amazing ways to communicate to me and thankfully I am able to determine what she wants or needs most of the time!!!!!
Happy Spring!

Feeling Loved

2010-02-11T07:12:00.000-05:00

We have been busy this week. Carley lost her tooth. we took a therapy break and we have Carley's Valentine party later today. She is five and I can not believe she lost her tooth already and that the tooth fairy came and went. Caroline is really trying to communicate more and more intentionally. She enjoys going to school every Wednesday. We were in Target a week ago and she found Elmo in the most obscure places, but in her line of vision. She pointed and vocalized "Elmo" each time. So Happy!!!! Her new love is my scrapbooks...she will point and scoot until she gets the right one. we have many, but she signs book and then says. "Elmo".....she looks at Carley's trip to Elmo live. Oh how I woudl be thrilled to take her to see Elmo and feel and see her face light up with excitement. She is definetly a love bug!
Yesterday after picking Carley up from a play date I noticed my tire pressure warning light was on. I did not panic because Cameron always tells me I have a while with all those things.....I panic and never want to be stranded. I was stranded at 21 with a car and a blown engine in the middle of the no where and was scared to death. I got my car manual out and it said pull over and get air or call for service. So I kept driving thinking it woudl be fine. It was.................until bedtime.
Thank God for his provision always!!!!!We are still going to be bale to go to school and get our yummy vaelntine strawberrys from Nana at Peterbrooke this am and have our valentine party.
Cameron filled up the Durango and changed my flat on my van and is taking care of the tires to day as now I need three!!!!So God is good....and meets the desires of our hearts no matter the details. I feel loved because my husband takes care of us and provides for us. I love you Cameron!!!!

Cookies Anyone!!!

2010-02-04T22:19:00.001-05:00

New Photos of the Girls

2010-02-04T22:10:00.000-05:00

Video of a Family in Ireland

2010-02-04T21:56:00.000-05:00

Attached is a link to a video from a Family in Ireland who went on a morning to discuss the same syndrome that Caroline has.

http://www.tv3.ie/videos.php?video=18946&locID=

Scooting!

2010-01-11T19:11:00.000-05:00

Caroline is on the move. She has discovered a way to move toward her toys. She has given up on rolling and has decided to scoot while sitting upright. She rocks on her bottom and scoots many inches at a time. She is also reaching really nicely across her body and side to side. We have to figure out to teach her to crawl. She can support head weight on arms, but she can not support her abdominal and hip weight at all. She is in her stander twice a day for 30 - 40 minutes. I am so excited of her progress as it is many months and times go by with little or no change in the direction of moving forward. I know I should not measure Caroline or myself in this way, but it is really hard and I think maybe a part of my human nature. I know it is not up to me as much as I want her to grow and achieve these milestones for the both of us. But most days I do feel responsible when little progress is not attained. Like I am being lazy or not doing enough for her. Thank you to many friends who support me by prayer even on the hard days and even when I do not know you are thinking of Caroline. Much love.

Merry Christmas!!!!

2009-12-22T20:47:00.000-05:00

It certainly has been a busy season for our family. Since November we have been on the move! Cameron started a new job here in Jacksonville at a local law firm and is enjoying it though it keeps him busy and away from home. we celebrated Carley's fifth birthday the weekend after Thanksgiving and then onto other Christmas festivities at church and school. We went to Tampa last weekend to see Santa and Mimi and Papa. It was a fun time and the girls are gearing up for Christmas in Greenville with Nana and Papa at the end of this week. We are looking forward to cooler weather and visiting with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandmas!!!!!we will probably eat and open a few gifts and play!!!!I hope it snows just one day while we are away. Caroline and Carley are both healthy this week and we should be able to stay away from the doctor at least until January. Caroline has started to nod yes and answer our yes questions. it is comical at times. She also will say a yah!!!!to go along with it if it strikes her. She is a joy and still pleasant most of the time. Carley is very independent and loves our attention. She is five and loves Olivia the pig character and has imaginary friends from the show. She openly tells us they are imaginary which cracks me up. She also is quite the artist and pretty much only desires to create and improvise with all her toys. I am thankful for God's provision in our lives even if it is not what I would have chosen. We are here and learning to make friends and memories here. Cameron has a stable job and we are healthy and have a lot to remember and reflect on as another year comes to a close. May you and your family experience HIS true PEACE and blessing on your life.

SICK girl

2009-12-02T22:54:00.000-05:00

Poor baby!!! Doc on Monday just a regular old bronchitis and low grade fever....I thought not. She sounded and acted too sick. So after two more days I decided to go back. She was worse. Double ear infections. RSV. So She is on treatments every four hours and a new antibiotic and I hope better Please pray Caroline gets well quick...these respiratory infections and viruses are a serious matter in these mosaic babies. Please pray her lungs clear and that theses meds work!!!
All thanks be to God our ultimate healer and sustainer in our time of need.

Grateful Hearts - MRI

2009-12-01T10:22:00.000-05:00

It is time to post and time to reflect on all God continues to do. I am amazed by His Love and guidance and constant provision even when I think things might be better another way.
Currently, Caroline is very sick with bronchitis and we are doing breathing treatments around the clock.. I have never seen her this congested or crabby and I guess if the medicine is not working back to Dr. Mary we will go!!!! I hope she gets to feeling better soon.
We had a very nice Thanksgiving at home with my sister and brother in - law and Mimi and Papa. The food was delicious even though I did not really contribute between caring for Carley and Caroline. I decided to set the table and clean up. I did go shopping for all of the yummy things and cleaned my home, but did not contribute to the great feast too much.......But I am truly grateful for my family and our health that we should not take for granted one single day.
I always want to let you all that read our blog occasionally about what goes on and how God continues to work.
Cameron has a new job and it is here in Jacksonville. He is the executive director of a law firm. He loves it and it came at a great time. With the ever changing economy things really slowed down at his last job. I say this came out of the blue, but the Lord orchestrated the timing. Caroline will lose her services in July for all therapy. We will be financially responsible with only 20 visits approved with the new insurance for her therapy. That covers only five months of her therapy out of the calendar year with a co -pay. After the five months we will may more than a co-pay. So the new job will allow us to keep up with Caroline's doctors and therapy even though the insurance coverage is not superb. The new company pays our family premium which in turn will allow us to cover therapy and doctor visits. It is always scary for me to change insurances since I work at home. I hope for good coverage and for the likelihood to not have to change doctors for Caroline's sake. It is like starting over if you have to do that. So at least we know what is for casted and how to prepare for her needs. The new insurance is also the same health care company we currently have!!!!!It is no accident and a blessing!!!!
Cameron works longer hours and is very busy, but we get no middle of the night phone calls anymore and he never has to go in on a Saturday or a Sunday.
MRI report
We had an MRI a month ago and i am just now posting details.
in a nut shell her scans were clear and easy to read. She has no current seizure activity, but large ventricles for her age and this signifies an immature brain. She has scarring on her frontal lobes both left and right. This is not a shock to me because I know form our other mosaic families that these kiddos brain are not like ours. Her scarring indicates possible apraxia and delayed verbal speech. Maybe somewhere around that of an 8 month old in verbalization, but not understanding!!!!! Physically she is greatly handicapped in walking, crawling, and pulling up, but mentally in other areas she is at an 18 month old in most of her development. She is able to verbalize about 5 words now and can sign and recognize 25 signs. The geneticist said to do as much signing as possible. She is able to communicate with us most of the time and is able to understand and comprehend things. There are different areas of the brain that work to use signing, mirroring, and verbalizing!!!!! She loves books and wants to be read to all day long!!!!!!
The scarring in her scan can be from a loss of oxygen in utero or just a part of her genetic syndrome. we will never really know, but that does not change God's plan or power to work in Caroline's life. We love each and everyone of you and wanted to bring you up to speed in our fun adventure filled lives. May you be filled with His peace this season!!!!!!

Weekend Warrior "The adventures Begin"

2009-11-12T23:14:00.000-05:00

The adventures have begun as a weekend warrior with the kids. Kim is away from Thursday night through this weekend and I am playing with the kids.
Today was my last day at Ameri-Force and I made it my last day today so that I could have Friday off to be with the kids while kim was away at a womens retreat. I start my new job on Monday.

The adventures have already begun with kids.
Kim left the house tonight at around 6pm. I was running late getting home because I went and got my hair cut.

So unfortunatly we did not have much time to prep before kim headed out the door.

It was ok though because I am a professional at this. She also left me many lists

I have to tell you this staying at home thing is much harder than it looks.

Tonights activities.
Eat dinner, brush teeth, get ready for bed, give caroline her breathing treatment, give carley a drink, read caroline a bedtime story, lay caroline down for bed,
Then color with carley, off then she helped me pick up the toys, and it was brush teeth time, read a story and time for lights out.

After all that I had a kitchen full of dirty dishes, wet clothes in the laundry, towels that had been folded that needed to be put away, toys in the living room, and a dog that needed to be fed.

Holy moley. This is nuts how do people do this. I have so much respect for kim.
She is an amazing wife and does a great job to get all of these things done without complaining.

I am sure I will have many funny stories over the next few days...

Stay tuned....

I survived the first night and it now 11:28 pm and I am just sitting down.

Caroline's MRI and PT

2009-11-05T15:28:00.000-05:00

Caroline had an MRI at Wolfson Children's hospital here in Jacksonville. We waited for three hours, but insurance covered her procedure and we were able to sedate her without a needle and anesthesia. She did great. Waking up from an oral med took longer, but was better for her. She was asleep during the MRI and it went fast. I think only 25-30 minutes. She is always good at hospitals and with the medical staff. We should have results 1-2 weeks . We will need to meet with the geneticist to read the MRI.
We greatly appreciate your prayers and thoughtfulness as we continue on this journey with Caroline. God has really provided for us and her care the whole time we have been in Florida even during the unknown times. We look to Him as the author and finisher of our faith in good times and bad. We give Him all the glory in our lives.
Today at PT Caroline worked really hard. We were able to support her enough to get her into a crawling position and she could rock on her knees and arms while we supported that heavy head!!! I always tell her that she has a lot going on in her head and that is why it is heavy for her to hold up. What joy to her her hum and attempt to sing her letters to the abc tune as well as Row, Row, your boat.... She is able to vocalize a few words clearly: Pablo, Papa, Mama, Dada, and up. She signs occasionally when she finds it necessary!!!!!

Carley

2009-10-21T13:43:00.000-04:00

Carley is home sick today. I think we have been sick and thought it was just allergies and then a cold. She is fever free today. we went to the dr. yesterday and now have 4 medicines to take. She has walking pneumonia, cold, and enlarged tonsils. we are on an antibiotic and breathing treatments 3x a day. She will be checked again tomorrow to see if she is breathing better. I can tell her coughing has already improved. Caroline is well - praise the Lord!!! She has pre-op appointment tomorrow before her MRI. Cameron and I are all well today too!!!!! I am rested. We are staying home all week...Carley will not go back to school until Monday. So we are getting caught up around here and having a little fun. We all ate a hot lunch today. Carolin had a good nap at home in her crib - what a novel idea!!!! I even have dinner cooking in the crock pot. Stay at home days are wonderful!!!!!

Corn Maze in Hilliard/ Dedication/ Auburn

2009-10-20T08:56:00.001-04:00

Oct. 3
We finally found a pumpkin patch in Florida. We went to Hilliard, Florida which is an hour outside of Jacksonville, but it was worth it. The girls had fun playing in the corn box, walking the corn maze, eating homemade ice cream, and pumping water from an old well pump. We walked around the farm and played and took pictures. We had a fun time despite the heat. Caroline really enjoyed touching the pumpkins. She kept signing ball!!!! I need to find out what pumpkin is in sign!
Oct.11
Sunday Oct. 11th was our fourth and successful attempt to dedicate Caroline. We all know this child has been prayed over and dedicated many times, but we were very happy she was not sick and that she was able to have both of her grandparents sitting on he front row at church while she laughed and smiled back at them. It was a heart warming moment for me. Any time we are able to participate in normal events or things we were able to do for Carley it is a comfort to me.
Caroline is very blessed to have her Nana, Papa Abbott, Mimi, and Papa Frank who are all willing to travel and participate in Caroline's life. We are blessed.
Oct. 17
We traveled to Auburn Alabama for the game. It was a fun time, but COLD. Carley enjoyed eating cotton candy and hot dogs with her cousins and wearing her Auburn bows and tattoos on her face. We also got to eat breakfast and lunch with some old friends. Caroline stayed with Mimi and Papa. She is well this week and needs to stay well. She has an MRI scheduled on Nov.2 to get a look at her brain development and any possible seizure activity. We are hoping for positive results. Carley has a low grade fever for the second time this week. We are trying to get into the doctor and it has been a challenge with traveling and thinking it may be just a cold. SO we are all home today and may be taking a trip to the doctor before the day is done. We have been busy and have more pics to post. But I will be back on Nov. 2 after her MRI. Please pray for a safe procedure as Caroline will have to be put to sleep.

Pumpkin Patch 10-3-09

2009-10-04T21:27:00.001-04:00

Mom Day - Happy Fall

2009-09-23T16:18:00.000-04:00

Today I spent most of the day running errands and how I enjoyed going all five places kid free. It was great to get so much done and now I can relax the rest of the week. Caroline had her second day today at MMO. She always seems to eat her lunch and is very tired after a full day at school. Carley has pre-k from 9:30 - 1pm and Caroline has MMO on Wed. from 9:30 - 1pm. I am forever grateful for such a loving and safe environment for both of my girls. Carley is looking forward to her cooking project tomorrow. They have a recipe every Thursday. I am going to be able to hep in her room three times this year now that Caroline has a spot to be once a week.
we are looking forward to fall here in Florida. Although that means the weather is still HOT here we remember all of our other fall traditions that we try to carry with us here. I made a cute center piece today for the kitchen and bought a fun pumpkin candle. Cameron and I are heading up a fall block party for the kids in our cul-de-sac and around on the 31st. Saturday Cameron and I are going to a concert while Mimi and Papa keep the girls. Should be fun.
Last weekend was a lot of fun. we traveled to SC with the girls and Lucy for Carter and Cody's birthday party at Pump it up. And to see our Nana and Papa too!it was nice to get away and pretend we lived near cooler weather for a short stint. Carley and Cody played the whole weekend and got along great!!! Lucy travels well and enjoyed the cooler air too. Caroline went down the slide at Pump it up with Cameron 3x. We will have to post the cute pics later.

Chick-Fil-A Free Sandwich Giveaway

2009-09-07T22:10:00.000-04:00

Tonight we had dinner at Chick-Fil-A. If you dressed in "Team" gear they gave you a free sandwich. We all dressed in our Auburn clothes and had a great dinner. The Chick-Fil-A was packed....

Mulch Project and Icecream Cones

2009-09-06T19:31:00.000-04:00

Labor day Weekend

2009-09-06T00:00:00.001-04:00

Nice day. Cool weather for Florida this am. Cam and I spread mulch in all the front beds of the house today. Caroline is doing well. We have a new speech therapist who is very loving and patient. We have had 4 sessions so far. Caroline can now say the "p" sound and is working more consistently toward the "b" sound and babbling intentionally. The hardest part is handling her frustration and knowing she wants to talk and move. she does not mind the stander and is up to 20minutes. She still needs her naps and rest although she is becoming a fighter and is trying to take one nap and goes to bed by 7:30 some nights these days and is up by 6am some days.
She will start her MMO class on Wed at our church. I am excited and now she will be loved and cared for and enjoy being at pre - school. She is going to have 6 teachers and only 6 kids in her class. It is amazing how God has supplied my needs, as a parent with concerns, through the details at our home church. Carley loves being at school and church and seems to be excited about Mrs. Kerry. She gave them root beer floats on orientation day - who would not be excited about that at school? We are having a relaxing weekend and look forward to being home one more day this weekend. Caroline is also learning how to eat with her spoon, but would much rather use her hands.

Jacksonville Hands on Museum

2009-09-02T21:44:00.000-04:00

Better

2009-08-19T08:24:00.000-04:00

Caroline is doing fine. We did go back to the surgeon. he said some of these do get blisters and bubbles and should heal fine. Very interesting!!! So we shoudl be good. Carley and Caroline will stat school in Sept. Carley had to get two shots yesterday and did great after screaming and telling the nurses, "Those hurt!!! I do not like shots!!!!" Silly mommy. I gave her motrin before we left and numbing cream. I am not sure it really worked, but I tried. We have Occupational Therapy today for an hour and a trip to the post office is all we have on our plate today. Yeah!!!!

SCAR

2009-08-13T09:07:00.000-04:00

Please pray for Caroline. We are leaving to go out of town and her scar on her belly is not healing appropriately. Dr is out of office of course!!! We leave this afternoon. I am going to Women of Faith adn so excited, but want Caroline's tummy to be better. Mimi is keeping the girls this weekend. Her scab is very thick and keeps falling off and returning, but not helaing.

Myrtle Beach

2009-08-06T08:06:00.000-04:00

We went on vacation last week to Myrtle Beach. It was a lot of fun to be at the beach and in the sand and sun with the kids. Carley is braver this year and wanted to swim all day every day in the waves and in the pool. Speaking of swimming....she is doing well with swimming on her own in 3-4 feet of water. Caroline did great under the umbrella and got a little tan with no burn!!!! she loved feeling the sand between her toes and wading in the wading pools. She also loved being with her cousins, aunt, uncle, and Nana and PAPA at the beach. She wanted to dance and sing like the rest of them we did alot of that at the beach as well as eating too much!!!!
Cameron and I are now exercising and eating way healthier.
I can not believe that summer is about over. Carley will be back in pre-school soon. Carley will join her at MMO on Wednesdays too! We will post new pics soon!
OH - And Caroline's legs are already some stronger since using her stander.

Pictures of Caroline in her Stander

2009-07-17T22:04:00.000-04:00

In a nutshell

2009-07-15T09:28:00.000-04:00

We have so much to post and even more pictures. We still want to post recital pictures and July 4th pictures. Life is coming at us fast. We leave for vacation next week. Just wanted to give a quick update on Caroline. She is doing well. Her speech progress is slower than I would like. She gets easily frustrated at times and wants to do so much like everyone else. On the other hand has come far this past year. She is able to vocalize about 4 words clearly. She does jabber and babble now. She recognizes many signs about up to 15-20. She has the understanding and ability to sign 10- 12 signs, but does not seem to initiate them on her own. She will sign when I say the word. To see her sign book and cracker are precious!!! Her last OT evaluation said her age equivalent was on a 12 mo. scale. we are so very thankful for God's provision and keeping her healthy this year. We are blessed. She is doing fine with her stander and can stand 12 min about 3x a day right now. She thinks it is pretty neat to be as tall as Carley and to move around the house like she is walking is pretty cool too!!!! we try to make it fun and wheel her many places.
She gave up her bottles and now is on her cup full time. we are working on feeding with utensils and standing up with the stander. We have a new speech therapist that we will meet Friday. we are looking into some other therapies for Caroline's speech. I also look forward to meeting with the geneticist and getting our MRI on the way in the next few months.
Carley is doing well and loves to be at home playing, dogs, barbies, and anything art!!!!She has had a horrible stye for 6 weeks that they are telling me to leave absolutely alone after seeing 3 different doctors. We will see what happens. Carley loves to swim and we have to watch her because she has little fear right now since her swim lessons in June and July. We have had a busy summer and can not believe it is half way over.

More Birthday Pictures

2009-07-12T12:58:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Caroline Age 2

2009-07-12T12:45:00.002-04:00

Surgery Success

2009-07-07T19:40:00.001-04:00

We are forever grateful for yet another successful procedure. Caroline recovered well with a little spunk and grumpiness. She was her usual self today and will have therapy this week as we try out the new stander. There is a small chance the area can become infected, but we will go back to remove stitches in two weeks. Thank you for all your continued support, encouragement and prayers.

Surgery today

2009-07-05T22:49:00.000-04:00

Caroline has surgery at 8am to seal the hole where her tube was....it is outpatient. Pray she handles the procedure well.

Never a dull moment

2009-07-02T17:36:00.000-04:00

So much to share in too little time. We went away to Orlando and meet special friends from College. It was a great time. The girls got to swim twice in the pool and visit with Julie, Evan and Jackson. Then we met my mom in Orland and went home with her for a couple of days. we and lots of rain, but still a nice time. The girls both had fevers and touch of a bug. Caroline's tube site is not closing and not healing well. Carley has a horrible stye on her eye and it is not better. we rushed home last night to get to the doctor here. Alas! the pediatrician is closed today. The pediatric surgeon called back and 2:30 and scheduled surgery for Monday am for Caroline's tube closure. I will send pictures soon of the stander and of recital just have been really overwhelmed and busy.

Longer Days are here

2009-06-25T23:16:00.000-04:00

Longer days are here as far as summer and daylight go, but Caroline will appear taller and longer too! Our stander was delivered today. I was very excited. It was assembled, but I have not been trained on how to use it yet. Next week the PT is going to show me how to adjust each piece. It is cute and has lots of pink. We had to put Caroline in it and take a picture. She smiled and seemed to like it. Carley calls it her "Pink Wall - E". I think this is very cute!!! I was thinking it sort of looked like a robot myself, but she took the words right from my mouth today when she told me " It looks like a robot mommy." She was as excited as i was for Caroline today which made my heart smile. I really do think she loves Caroline even though it has been a long time coming. I will have Cam post pics soon.
Last weekend was a busy one!!!! It was Father's day and Carley's first recital for ballet and tap.We were able to see both sets of grandparents. I know this made Carley feel super special and important. Nana and Papa Abbott came from SC for a long weekend. We went to the pool to show off Carley's new swimming skills too. Nana found time to garden and spruce up the backyard too!!!! Carley was very pretty all dressed for her recital. She got up on stage and looked for us and waved and smiled pretty much during both of her performances. She did a few dance moves, but looked like she was having a ball. It was a great experience for the both of us. She is such a big girl and a big helper lately. She told me she wants to take a break from dance and try soccer next.

Double News Tuesday

2009-06-16T09:53:00.000-04:00

This week is so much better than last week. God does know our needs and meets us where we are. Last week was quite stressful. I spent the day at Mayo on Friday. I met with a doctor and a radiologist. I had a repeat mammogram and ultrasound and they were confident that what I was feeling was normal breast tissue. The first mammogram showed possible distortion on film in my right breast. They explained that all breasts are not equal in size and in what we may be feeling. So I was given a clean slate and do not have to return until I am forty unless I find something sooner.
Yesterday we received a call from the director of Early Steps. She said after reading our paperwork she thought part C funds should cover all of it. Because of her and our service coordinator it will be provided for us at no cost. The stander is a grow with me stander and will last for 5 years if we need it !!!! Praise the Lord!!! We are hoping to have it in about two weeks. Caroline seems to be ready to move to the next level with assistance in standing. She will also be able to see things from a new perspective.
We are now working on getting the column repaired that I backed into last Tuesday. My dad may fix it, but we are also getting a few quotes this week.
Thank you God for still being God and providing and reminding us you are always in total control even when we are weak!!!!!

Going to Mayo tomorrow

2009-06-11T14:18:00.000-04:00

I went to my OB she was pretty sure things were fine according to her report. I asked if she looked at my films and she said no we do not get your films. I said oh. I was hoping for someone to show them to me and explain differences and what we are really looking at. I am so used to all Caroline's docs doing this as a routine thing. So after talking to Cameron and two other ladies whose cancer was not detected by mammograms at 35 I am going to get a second opinion before I stop worrying altogether.
So Alas!!!! Mayo called me last night and this am and said they could bump me from July 2 to tomorrow if I can swing by the imaging center tomorrow and hand deliver my films. So pray for a clear confirmation. Cameron will keep the girls for me tomorrow am for a few hours while I talk to Dr. Hines at the breast clinic tomorrow at 10am. I appreciate your prayers at this time.

Updates

2009-06-10T14:27:00.000-04:00

Caroline is getting her g- tube out on June 19 @ 2:30PM. Yeah!!! We are so excited!!!!!!!!!!!
She has developed a little bump behind her tummy and we hope it is only scar tissue. She will probably have an ultrasound before we remove it. So pray it is nothing major.

She has also been approved for Early Intervention to cover 1,500 of the cost of her stander device. We hope to receive this by July. We HOPE!!!! We have also reached our out of pocket family deductibles so our insurance is at 100% until March 1. All meds and appointments for all of us will free and covered by insurance. This is also a huge blessing!!!!!

The not so good news.... Had a bad day...yesterday. It involved me and a car and our house. I backed into one of our columns yesterday and it is damaged and will need to be repaired. Then went immediately to Caroline's Dr appt and straight to dance for Carley. No time to cry over spilt milk!!! Anyway I talked to my dad and he thinks he can fix it like new!!!
The car has hardly any damage so we will get it fixed or rather painted eventually.

I had a mammogram done two weeks ago. Got results last Wed. My left breast is fine. My right one is questionable. I will go to the OB today to discuss films and get them to send them to MAYO breast clinic. I also have an appointment for July 2 at the breast clinic to decide more testing or biopsy to make sure it is benign. Please pray that it is not cancerous. I know it is early and I am young, but I am overly stressed and do not think I can handle another surgery, appointments and a bad report. Anyway----- Looking forward to swimming lessons and dance being done. I really need to take a break and put everything on hold. For some reason I am not able to really do that. Mayo is trying to get me in sooner and asked me to overnight films today so I can possibly get in by this month. Just be in prayer for me to be peaceful, think clearly and take care of my family without a clouded mind.

Our Disney Trip over Memorial Day

2009-06-02T23:00:00.000-04:00

Kim Turns 35 on June 3rd

2009-06-02T22:52:00.000-04:00

I bought a birthday cake for Kim and we ate it with the kids tonight. Her birthday is actually tomorrow June 3rd but we ate cake tonight. I thought we had candles at the house so I did not buy them and we had to use matches for candles on her cake.

Caroline Eats Corn on the Cob

2009-06-02T22:49:00.001-04:00

A Mommy Moment

2009-05-26T13:48:00.000-04:00

Today we met some friends at the town center and dropped into JoAnn Fabrics and then into Ross. While we were in Ross we were searching for birthday presents and fun finds. It was a quick 40 minute stop with two kids. I tried to enjoy myself, but they kept dropping books and asking how many we were buying. We actually did not buy any books. We were attempting to get back into the car with the baby in arms, Carley walking to her car seat across the van holding herself telling me I have to PEE!!!! We are still trying to get this all translated to I need to use the restroom. So I knew we were not going to make it anywhere to the restroom. We had the stroller in the parking lot. So I decided to strap Caroline in and discreetley as possible allow Carley to PEE in the parking lot. We removed panties and shoes and I got sprayed and used baby wipes and tried not to be annoyed as we still had to make it to Chick -fil-a for lunch. So by 12 noon I had had a full day indeed!!!!!

Texas, Mother's Day and swimming

2009-05-12T20:58:00.000-04:00

To say the least we are busy. But it is exciting that we will have a summer break from school and some early morning hustle. Our therapy schedule is ever changing. We will soon be adding a new OT appointment on Wed afternoon that we will drive to. Carley will have to go with to two therapies a week through the summer. Since we have just discovered a new swim school life will be good for us this summer so we can actually swim at the pool some. We are excited that Carley seems to like swimming after her first amazing lesson today. She went under multiple times and floated on her back and stomach and kicked her feet too! The Swimming Safari School is great with young children and pretty much play and instruct while singing. Caroline and I also get a perk. We are able to lounge and kick and exercise her little muscles in the hot tub adjacent to the big pool. So we are so thankful to have this worked out for both girls to benefit.
Cameron and I really enjoyed our time away in Texas. We were gone for five days and I enjoyed every minute of it during the day. We ate ate our favorite restaurants, spent time with our very good long time friends, and I got a facial and shopped at a few kids stores. I almost felt like I was home until I went to bed at night and missed my sweet girls. We miss our friendships and our church in Texas greatly and realize now we will never replace or duplicate the blessings and time God gave us there. It holds a significant place in our hearts as a newly married couple. We had great spiritual mentorship and true friendships that are hard to find.
Although it is hard we are very excited about the opportunities we are having here at our new church. The nursery continues to go above and beyond in keeping Caroline and trying to meet individual needs. They are excellent and allow for growth and really try to accommodate if something comes up. We are seeing our SS class grow and double since we moved here a year ago. We are slowly starting to establish and create new friendships as time passes. Cameron and I have been able to plan and coordinate some social events as well as substitute in Sunday School. We feel God is stretching us and allowing us to meet new people that need a church home and Christian support.
Sometimes you just have to stop and not get caught up in all life puts upon you. We had a very low key Mother's Day.(Our lives can be stressful as Cameron's job can be time consuming and just normal stresses of a stay at home mom of a preschooler and a little one with extra needs gets quite overwhelming.) I feel so responsible for therapy, health care, budgeting, teaching values, and nutritional choices seem to consume me in today's health oriented society. I have not had much time for posting, e-mailing, or keeping up with our calendar very well since I have had to really step back and take some time out for me. Since January things have just been much harder for me and I finally feel like I am overcoming my stress in stead of falling asleep at 9:30 with stress and thoughts overcoming me. I am exercising whenever I can and that usually is a walk which has done wonders - 30 min for now. I also am choosing to be more all natural in our food choices. I am thinking fat free and sugar free may not be all good. I think the farmers from long ago had it all right by truly living organic and working together. So maybe one day we will have a small garden and tend it together as a family, but today I am taking small steps. Be in prayer for my continued health and stamina for my family. I have a mammogram at Mayo clinic in two weeks, just to check fibroids at this time, but pray it is only fibroids and nothing more.
Back to Mother's Day, we ate sandwiches from a sub shop. We cooked steak on the grill for dinner. Saturday am Cam booked a massage for me at Massage Envy very early, but it was nice to relax. Our sweet friends that also moved here from Charlotte, Sarah and Dustin, watched our girls and took them to the pool while we spent some time together at the TCP golf tournament here in Ponte Vedra. We got a quick look at Tiger, melted in the 95 degree weather , walked at least 3 miles, and ate a delicious lunch in the benefactor tent. A good day.
One more update: We have no stander and it has not been ordered!!!!!
I have made two phone calls and still no answer, so I am going to have to turn this one over to Cam. He seems to get people's blood flowing better than me. Goodnight!!!!

As the world turns

2009-04-20T17:01:00.000-04:00

We have posted lots of pictures and not much news. Caroline is cutting a new tooth and back to drinking from her sippy cups. She is not aspirating at all and we have decreased her milk and thinking about losing the bottle in the next month or so. We are also thinking of taking her mickey button out sooner than July. She is happy and healthy and not signing or speaking any new words, but do not want to complain about much.....
Carley is busy as always. Last week she told me that yellow was a boring color while she was coloring. She is funny!!!!Tomorrow I will be taking the girls to a birthday party in the morning. Mimi is here visiting and will be back next week while Cameron and I get away to Texas for a few days. We are so excited to get away and see a few good friends!!!!
I took my first teacher certification test on Saturday and will now continue to work on Infant Toddler Specialist paperwork. I should be finished with that in a few weeks too!

2009-04-12T13:01:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T12:56:00.000-04:00

Look what I can do!!! With the help of physical therapy

2009-04-09T23:46:00.000-04:00

We went to a park today to hunt easter eggs!

2009-04-05T15:24:00.000-04:00

Feeling Better

2009-04-01T17:03:00.000-04:00

Caroline was sick, well she never acted sick, but deep coughs and breathing treatments. We have been on an antibiotic since Friday. I find it truly amazing that she has not been on an antibiotic since last April. Yeah!!! One doctor said it was pneumonia. Dr. Mary said she was sounding clear yesterday. So we will take the clean bill of health report. Please continue to pray for the provision of the stander. Caroline has been waiting for this device since October. we are trying to see if Early Steps or insurance or some other agencies will cover it through applications for children with disabilities. We have been connected to a lady named Mary Lyons through the Wheel Chairs plus company who has given us many applications and agencies for funding to help with Caroline's needs. We are hopeful and look forward to Caroline being able to stand up one day. We are hoping to have the stander sometime in April.

Rolling, rolling, rolling

2009-03-26T09:09:00.000-04:00

Caroline can finally consecutively roll toward her toys, with lots of cheering involved!!!
I am very excited after much hard work and coaxing!!!!!

A-P-P-L-E

2009-03-23T19:43:00.000-04:00

Tonight we played with Caroline on the kitchen counter and let her touch real flowers and a real apple. She held the apple looked at us and said, aaapple! So cute!!!!

No more milkshake

2009-03-21T21:18:00.000-04:00

I sometimes refer to Caroline's formula/ vanilla flavored milk as a milkshake. It is quite tasty. it has taken us since August to wean her completely to regular 2% milk, but today that is all she had today in her cups and bottles real milk. we are excited about this milestone. Next we will be saying good bye to her bottles. Just wanted to share our news.

Visiting with friends

2009-03-17T14:21:00.000-04:00

We are having a fun time visiting with our Tennessee friends. We are staying in tonight for a cook out and idol. Carley had a fun time drawing and cutting out dogs with Mr. Tom. Caroline even had fun doing sign language with Mr. Tom. Carley and I went to the dentist and X-rays today all by herself without me going back to the room with her. It was a funny feeling to be at an appt and stay in the waiting room the whole time. So I checked my e-mail and fb. FUN!!!! Caroline also had a therapy free day!!!!

Geneticist

2009-03-09T15:27:00.000-04:00

We met with our geneticist today with whom we love. He is great with Caroline and very hopeful and encouraging to talk to. he is interested in helping us start a foundation and a possible Mosaic Triploidy - DTM conference in Jacksonville to get our support group together. I was hesitant and wanting everyone to be able to make it and wanting things to calm down to start that project. But as we all know things continue and change and never really stop or calm down.
He was impressed with her growth and development and her signs she has acquired. He says the knowledge of signs is equal to words for Caroline and that is progress and positive development! And also counts for communication. We are going to hold off on the MRI since we are pretty sure she is not having seizure activity at this time. He wants to see us after she is two and we can set up an MRI then. She weighed 20 lbs today. We also called the medical company to come pick up her feeding pump - it is official. We are going to take her tube out probably in June or July and we can decide to do this at home. It will heal naturally and no doc required. It is pretty exciting to me since I have not seen her belly without it since 3m old. I also look back and remember when we thought this child would never be chubby and would always have a feeding tube. Thanks be to God for his everlasting Mercy and Goodness!

Beach 2-28-09 80 Degrees

2009-03-01T22:08:00.001-05:00

Adventures Await

2009-02-09T00:12:00.000-05:00

Wow! it has almost been a month since a post!!!! We have been busy and just needed to take a break from our busy schedule. After my trip to NJ I came home to being much appreciated. Cameron did a terrific job while I was away. I know my girls are loved!!! I do have a new dryer and a new blackberry that I am still learning how to use with all of its great features. Cameron insisted on the new phone with the calendar and contact lists etc... So I am using it all!!!! Carley is doing fine and gearing up for a new Disney adventure with her cousin Cody. She had a cold the week after I returned and we stayed home a couple of days to get well and let me regroup. Some times it is just plain hard to do what we do everyday. it is not fun to have an appointment almost nearly everyday!!!! I know it is life, but still hard sometimes. Caroline is well and learning to sign little by little. She is funny to watch and tries to imitate us. I am pretty sure she understands, but those little hands have trouble forming the detailed signs. Tuesday she is starting Occupational Therapy in home - yeah!!! Just so you all know I have not been totally hiding out in a cave for a month , I also have been computer less for over a week. It was hard, but good to have a forced break form the computer. Cameron is staying busy at work and is also looking forward to our Disney trip. Caroline and Lucy will be at home with MIMI.
My new adventure includes starting the teacher certification process in Fl to teach. I will have a current license by next January. I have 3 tests to take and pass. I will take the first test in April. I do not plan to go back to teach next year, but want to keep my license current for anything that could happen. I also am working on getting an Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist certification which will allow me to work part time with other delayed children and children with special needs and their families a couple hours a week. My goal is to have that certification by next fall. Carley will be attending her pre-school 5 days a week and Caroline will attend MMO on Wednesdays while I try working on Wednesdays a couple of hours. I am excited and wondering what God has in store for us as we embark on new adventures.
Caroline will stay in her Early Steps Program until close to three years before we transition her to a special needs school program. She is also awaiting her stander. We will be changing health insurance and ordering the stander again in March. We hope this will allow her to stand and walk someday!!!!! She is still very weak in her upper body and has regressed in her desire to roll and push up on her hands. Please pray her muscle tone will increase. we also will be getting an MRI in the next month or so to check on brain development and any possible seizure activity. Keep us on your mind and pray for daily strength and encouragement!!!!

Talked to the MOTHER SHIP

2009-01-15T14:59:00.000-05:00

I called and talked to Kim earlier today to find out if her plane was scheduled to leave on time today. The weather forcast for Newark New Jersey is calling for snow and 21 degrees. Kim said that the plane was scheduled to take off on time and I have not heard from her since. I assume she made it on her flight and that the plane if in route to Charlotte. She has a 3 hour layover in Charlotte then its on to Jacksonville.

I am about to wake the kids up and get ready for dance. Tonights plans are dance at 4pm, dinner following, then pick Mimi and Mommy up from the airport. Then baths and bedtime.

Day #4 Feels like 40

2009-01-15T14:28:00.000-05:00

HAPPY Thursday!!

Well today is the 4th and final day that I will be staying at home with the girls.

Kim gave me a schedule and on the to of the Thursday schedule it said "Good Luck" this is going to be your toughest day yet.

And that it is....

The morning started out great. Pop Tart wake up call at 6:58AM from Carley, followed by the announcement over the monitor from Caroline "My Momma" at 7:05AM.

I went ahead and got out of the bed to begin my day because I realized if I did not get in the shower then there may be no chance for the rest of the day.

After breakfast and a few morning cartoons I got everyone dressed to begin our day.

Angela invited Carley over to play with her daughter Grace this morning while I took Caroline to therapy.

So I drove Carley to Grace's house and dropped her off for a two hour play date. (that is such the stay at home mom phrase: "Play date")

Caroline and I then went to Physical Therapy. I was instructed by Kim to go to the therapy office and sit in the waiting room and someone would come and get us. That is exactly what the instructions on the sheet said. So that's what I did.

I was somewhat embarrassed by the pleasant lady who sat beside me in the waiting room. She leaned over to me and said you may want to take the tags off your children's clothes before they wear them. Not having any idea what she was talking about, I lifted up Caroline's arm and there on the sleeve was a brand name sticker and that plastic wire that holds the tag on the clothes. She help me undo the tags and then said its OK I am sure it happens all the time.

That was her way of saying Dad next time look at the clothes your placing on your child so you don't look stupid in public again.

After waiting about 15 minutes in the waiting room I realized that everyone was getting called back for their therapy appointments except me and Caroline.

I then walked up to the window and the ladies at the counter said oh Hi Caroline, not even acknowledging that I was in existence. I then asked if I was supposed to sign in or something because no one had called our name. So she said yes your supposed to sign in but usually when we see Kim we go ahead and call her therapist and she comes back. Next time I will know to go to the window and allow Caroline to greet the nice ladies there and well get called back right away.

Therapy was a little rough today. Caroline cried almost the entire time. All she kept saying was DADDA, DADDA. When the therapist would hold her she cried big alligator tears and she would then hand her back to me and she would smile and say DADDA.

After therapy we were off to pick up Carley from Mrs. Angela.

We then made a few quick stops at the post office, the bank, oh and Wendy's because Carley and I wanted a frosty.

You can make those impulse type stops when your in charge....

We soon arrived home for Caroline to eat her lunch and down for a nap she goes.

Now Carley had no interest in a nap today I guess because there is so much going on. Its OK I guess because we have to leave for dance around 3:30 and we started the nap attempts at 2:15pm.

I let Carley play in the back yard and sand box for a while because she need to work off some of that energy.

See the below picture of Carley playing in the sand box and notice the nice kitchen silverware in the top of the picture. I asked Carley where she got those from and she said the kitchen drawer.

You have got to be kidding me, she was playing with our nice silverware in the sand box. If mommy saw that she would have a fit.....

Its now 2:45 and this is the first time I have had all day to sit down all day. I have to go now its time to pack the dinner bag, dance bag, unload the garbage from the car, and re-load for round #2.

Stay at home Dad Emergency Car Kit

2009-01-15T00:14:00.000-05:00

I have created a new product that every stay at home Dad needs in his vehicle.

Its the Car Emergency Kit.

Everything I placed in this kit is function and has been tested over the last 4 day.

~Disclaimer~

"The details in this post may or may not be representative of this stay at home dad. They are to be used strictly for example purposes and assistance to all the naive stay at home dads out there who have yet to pack their emergency car kit. Just because items are shown hear does not mean that this stay at home dad forgot them or failed to pack his diaper bag properly at all times."

Items I included in my Emergency Car Kit

-5 Diapers

-underwear in case of an accident

-baby wipes are great for any type of spill

-plastic fork, spoon, knife, cup, and napkins- We ordered mandarin oranges but we didn't get a fork or spoon to eat them with.

-Capri Sun because the 4 year old gets hungry after playing hard

-Snacks cookies, fruit snacks, and cereal bars

-Hair Clips and Rubber Bands- This will be a life saver when your 4 year old pulls her bow out and you can't find it prior to school (In theory)

-Infant spoons

-Bibs

-And the most important item of all. A roll of Toilet Paper!!! (See I survived another day post)

Having all these things in your car will make life a lot easier. Saved on multiple trips home or to Publixs

Tools for your Job

2009-01-15T00:08:00.000-05:00

I finally realized today that if your going to do this job as a stay at home Mom or Dad you have to have the proper tools.
Kim has been telling me for a while that we needed a new dryer.
I saw that for myself last night. I had to run the towels in the dryer 5 times. You have got to be kidding me. 5 Times. No wonder our electric bill has been so high. I went to Sears today and researched dryers so that when Kim gets home we can go get her a new dryer.

In order to be effective at this job you have to have the proper tools. I realized that the hard way.

Well I survived another day

2009-01-14T23:30:00.000-05:00

Well I haven't posted on the blog all day because I have been trying to keep up with this busy schedule.

I didn't finish the post from yesterday because the day was off the charts busy. I was going stir crazy inside all day. The girls and I played all kinds of games and toys and then we needed to get out of the house. The weather forecast called for Heavy Rain...

"Lesson Learned" In the pouring down rain it is not a good idea to take your kids out to an outdoor shopping center.

We went to the town center to develop some pictures for Mommy to scrapbook when she gets home. Kim has been asking for these pictures for quite some time. I took the girls to Wolf Camera because on Tuesday and Wednesday digital prints at 6 Cents a print.

The girls were great at Wolf Camera for a minute... Then Carley had to use the bathroom.
No big deal right. WRONG~! I asked the manager if we could use the restroom and he said no problem. When we finally got all ready to go to the bathroom there was no toilet paper. Are you kidding me. I am in the bathroom tripped over 3 boxes in the stock room, drove my limo sized double stroller in the back hallway of this store and they don't have any toilet paper. Maybe there is some in a box somewhere I thought. I went back out into the front of the store and said do you have any toilet paper for the restroom. The girl looked at my funny and said were out. You can use paper towels.
GREAT!!! By now I am in panic mode.
BIG PROBLEM.
Gotta go quick because were about to have a major problem on our hands. I realized that Toy R US is just across the street and its brand new and probably has nice restrooms. So away we went. I had to put the girls back into their car seats in the pouring down rain and hustle over to the Toys R Us to get Carley to the bathroom.

We finally get to the bathroom and Carley says to me. Daddy its OK I didn't really have to go that bad. ARE YOU Kidding Me. I was about to have cardiac arrest and get the Worst Stay at home dad awarded because my child wet her pants in a retail store.

Anyways long story short the Toys R US restroom saved the day.

"Lesson Learned" Don't take it for granted that all public restrooms have toilet paper.

More about this in a later post...
"See Emergency Kit Post"

When we arrived home from the Town Center I tried my hardest to get the girls to take naps...
No success...

I ended my night by remembering that I put towels in the washing machine at 8am and did not put them in the dryer all day.
So guess what, they smelled like... Well they smelled so I had to re-wash them and put them back into the dryer.
I had to run them in the dryer 5 times, to get them completely dry. I finally got them finished at 12:15AM!!!!!!!!

Day #2 Raining outside

2009-01-13T10:54:00.000-05:00

Well so far Day #2 has started out pretty good.

Caroline woke me up at 7AM as she was ready for her morning bottle.

I made strawberry muffins this morning for breakfast.

It is now 11Am and I still have not had a shower and the girls are still in their pajamas.

I guess its time to start out day...

A day in the life of a stay at home "DAD"

2009-01-13T09:46:00.000-05:00

As you can see from the previous post Kim's grandpa in New Jersey passed away. So Kim and I had a tough decision to make. It was what are we going to do with the kids. Since the weather was really bad in NJ and it was a long distance to travel Kim and I decided that I would stay at home with the kids and she would fly to the funeral.
I was excited to have the girls for the week by myself.

This was the first time that I have had them during the week to myself.

Day One Recap!

7:30 am awake to Carley saying she was hungry for a pop tart and ready for me to get up. I work up and got her ready for school.

I drove Carley to school and then when I got home Kim and her Mother were ready for the airport.

10AM Caroline and I drove them to the airport.

11AM Caroline and I made a detour on our trip for a stop at Gander Mountain Outdoor Store.
She loves that store....

Then its off to pick Carley up from School.

I picked Carley up from school and then we went to the post office. The ladies in the post office were very friendly and made every accommodation possible for me with two kids at the post office. I guess they are not used to seeing a dad with his kids during the week so they felt sorry for me...

Then it was off to home for NAPS. Kim warned me that NAPS would be a problem. Caroline was tired and went right to bed. Now Carley on the other hands. She was wired up and did not want to take a NAP. So we read two books and I stayed in her room until "I" fell asleep. I was quickly awaken to a 4 year old putting her fingers in my eyes and playing with my lips.
I realized that that was not going to work. So I got out of the bed and delivered an ultimatum for Carley to go to sleep.

2:45 to 4:45 was my only free time all day. I did house keeping and tried to figure out what I was going to do for dinner.
I decided I would make something easy because this was just my first day. So I made the girls stuffed pasta shells with garlic bread. I could not think of any side items to go with this so I decided to peel some oranges to make as a side item.
I am not sure that goes together but who cares they ate it...

4:45 The girls woke up from their naps and wanted dinner. I had already started cooking dinner and let them watch Clifford for a few minutes while I put the finishing touches on dinner.

The dinner was going to take another 30 minutes so I quickly gave both of them baths, and back to the den to wait for dinner.

We had a wonderful family dinner and everyone ate their share.

After dinner Dustin and Sarah and my Aunt Blanche stopped by. So they visited with me for a while and when they left it was time for bed.

I finally got both girls in bed and now it was time to clean the house.

I spend the next 30 minutes cleaning the den and kitchen.

I guess I have taken it for granted how much Kim does around the house. I can't believe how much work it is to be a stay at home mom. I really appreciate Kim and all that she does for our family. I am exhausted and it is now 12 midnight and I am ready for bed. My day has finally ended.

How do stay at home moms work out, visit with friends, or have any time to do anything they want to do....

To all the stay at home moms out there. God bless the stay at home mom!!!!!!!!
That is harder than any office job in the world.

I am looking forward to tomorrow. DAY #2
More adventures in store I am sure......
Cameron

My grandpa

2009-01-10T21:19:00.000-05:00

My grandpa passed away on Friday afternoon. He lived a very long and happy life. I will be attending his funeral this Wednesday with my family. Cameron will be staying with the girls. I have many memories I hold close to my heart of summers past spent with my grandparents. I so wish I could take my little girls, but not this trip. They both were able to meet their great -grandpa and I am so glad. Caroline even has her own video of her and Pop-pop. I will miss you very much!!!!I will post pics if I can find them of grandpa each with the girls.

Orthopaedist

2009-01-07T19:41:00.000-05:00

We went to see Dr. Loveless today. This was a follow up of her minor scoliosis diagnosis. Caroline's X-rays today showed a slight improvement from six months ago. From his perspective he does not think her spine will get worse. He also does not think she will need to be braced. So that is great news!!!! He did want to see an MRI of her spine in the future. So we can get a shot of that with her brain MRI in March or April. Just wanted to send a quick update.

Christmas,foot braces, and MORE

2009-01-02T09:01:00.000-05:00

We had a fun time at mom and dad's in Tampa. we drove up on Christmas day and stayed through Sunday. We took the girls to the park and ate at Cameron's favor tie BBQ place. It is an old family favorite really - JIMBOS. Carley and Caroline opened lots of gifts before we left from Cameron's mom and dad and all the aunts, uncles, and cousins. Carley loves her Jeep and Cool School Computer best. She got so many new learning toys, games, and books we have not even began to play with them all. Caroline got lots of new little toys to manipulate and a nice fun Rocking horse that she can bounce on. Her favorite gifts were her Elmo that talks up a storm and her PT body blocks. We love them to exercises with. we found these signing time videos recommended by others that are wonderful!!!! She signed more to us appropriately yesterday at breakfast for more applesauce. Cameron and I did our best to get all the decor down. it took almost all day. Then we went to Starbucks while the girls napped in the car and did returns at Target. Caroline has little wheezing in her chest so we may go on to the doctor today for a check before the weekend. I am excited about our little cold blast we have today and yesterday. I actually got to wear long sleeves!!! I sure do miss the weather from NC and TN days. I have also really enjoyed connecting with friends on facebook - it is great! we want to wish all of our friends across the US a Happy New Year and many bright blessings!!!!! I will have Cam post pics of Christmas and the park soon.
PS - Caroline got her foot braces and I am excited about them. I hope they help her put more pressure on her little feet. They are so cute and little!!!! We are still waiting on her stander to be ordered. Pics of those little foot braces to follow soon!

A cup and No Pump

2008-12-21T22:08:00.000-05:00

Caroline is trying new things this week. I am so thrilled that she is using a sippy cup after working on this and trying lots of cups. She is able to hold it if I tilt or prop her up. To night is also her official night on her pump. It is no longer mandatory nutritionally for her to have the pump. So we are weaning to regular milk and a cup. It is a long process. She will have to keep her tube for six more months and I will keep the pump on hand until we remove the mickey button. We are hoping to get her stander, wheels, and leg braces all covered by insurances before December 31st!!!!

Daffos

2008-12-16T12:03:00.000-05:00

Caroline, Carley, and I went down to the San Marco area in Jacksonville this morning. Caroline got measured and casted for her tiny foot braces. we got to pick out pink foam inserts and a little lamb decorated ribbon. They are to aid in standing. The good news is insurances should cover all of the cost for these. we will have them by January. They will also be beneficial with using her stander. we hope to get hat by then end of January!

Brave Carley

2008-12-11T21:49:00.001-05:00

Carley has been very lethargic and not herself the past week. However it came in waves and spurts and she had no fever or other sick symptoms. Although she did not want to eat anything - not even cookies or ice cream. So we force fed bites and minimal drinks for about 5-6 days before I could not do it any longer. We went to the Dr. yesterday for a hopeful answer.I also cringed as I hoped that nothing major was wrong. So we waited two hours and had a simple urinalysis that did indicate a possible infection. We also talked and looked at her growth and weight. She did not have strep or anything obvious. We also checked for diabetes, but her urine did not indicate that. She actually started eating and getting some appetite back yesterday.
The doctor was not concerned, but Cameron and I were not happy with no answers. So we opted for a full blood panel today at another location out at the beaches and 45 minutes away. So we gave Carley numbing cream and cow milk from Starbucks and off we went. She thought she was getting her blood pressure taken. I told her it was blood work and that there was a little pinch and then it would be all over with. She did great and I think the cream really helped!!!!
She did scream and pitched a fit to get me out of here, but it was short lived. Cameron held her head and I squeezed her arm and all of us held her arm still - three hands for five tubes.
We got some normal results back today. We are awaiting more news, but are hopeful all is well.
I am needing to rule out anything for my own knowledge to know where to go next and how to get her to eat something!!!!! So we have been bragging on how brave she was today. I asked Cameron if he thought I can numb her legs up when we go for her four year old check next.

Pictures with Santa

2008-12-06T22:06:00.000-05:00